Changes to Oregon Law in 2017

Changes to Oregon Law in 2017

Posted By Andrews Ersoff & Zantello LLC || 5-Jan-2017

New Oregon laws may cause big lifestyle changes for locals in 2017. These
laws speak to some of the most pertinent issues of our modern culture,
including social media access, medical marijuana, and sex trafficking.
Certain wildlife protections have also been put in place in order to cut
down on illegal poaching.

Oregon Poaching Laws

Though these new poaching laws impose more serious penalties on illegal
poachers, many animal rights activists and conservationists still feel
that the pentalties should be even more severe.

According to the new law, if you are caught illegally poaching wildlife:

Your license, permits, and tags will be revoked

You can go to jail for a minimum of 180 days

You may receive a lifetime hunting prohibition

Repeat offenses can result in loss of your hunting weapons

Statewide Ban of Floating Lanterns

Planning a big party in 2017? Leave out the paper lanterns. Effective January
1, releasing those gleaming floating lanterns can cost you in fines of
up to $2,000. The state marshal has declared that the lack of control
over the open flame causes serious risk for accidental fires. With this
ban, Oregon joins 29 states in outlawing sky lanterns.

Posthumous Social Media Access

Previously, social media sites were able to withhold your logon information
from your loved ones in the event of your death. Now, certain individuals
can be granted access to these sites in the wake of your death. Fortunately,
you are able to predesignate how you would like your information handled
through specific privacy requests with each site.

Other Oregon Law Highlights for 2017

Previously, military veterans had to undergo intense evaluations and annual
exams before they could receive a prescription for medical marijuana.
Effective 2017, these veterans will no longer have to attend those annual exams.

Breweries will enjoy new liquor license freedoms which allow them to sell
wine and hard liquor. This law particularly frees up their bar menus for
special on-site events.

Firmer protections have been put in place for employees who report corruption
or unlawful acts within their nonprofit companies. These whistleblower
protections prevent their employers from retaliatory firing or other negative
consequences the whistleblower may experience as a result of the report.

Concerned about how these laws might affect you? Ask our Lincoln City attorney
for personalized counsel. Call (541) 902-3044 for a
case evaluation.